VVD Faces Criticism in Election Debate
The VVD and its party leader, Dilan Yeşilgöz, were heavily criticized in an election debate on RTL Nieuws by the D66, CDA, and GroenLinks-PvdA parties.
The opposing parties accused the VVD of shifting towards a far-right stance, being out of touch with current societal trends, particularly in regards to their housing policy, and having anti-social healthcare plans.
D66 leader Rob Jetten stated that the VVD's plans are becoming "increasingly extreme".
- Jetten expressed disappointment that Yeşilgöz did not "learn her lessons" from the failed collaboration with the PVV in the current Cabinet.
- The VVD's stance on development cooperation was deemed "even more extreme than before" by Jetten.
- Specific criticisms included further cuts to development cooperation, inaction on climate goals, and a €1.5 billion reduction in education and innovation funding, which Jetten believed would negatively impact the investment climate for entrepreneurs.
Author's summary: VVD faces criticism for far-right shift.